Maths and English are vital life skills and here at Hobson & Porter, as part of our vision and values, we recognise this and want to play our part in skills development for the future.

We’re pleased to announce that one of our apprentices has been presented with a prestigious award from his college following his hard work both in the classroom and on site during this challenging year.

Joseph Thomlinson, aged 21, a Level 3 Brickwork apprentice at Hull College, received the Principal’s Award for Progress and Effort for Apprenticeships from Principal at the college.

Joe was nominated by his Skills Coach, Shaun Stephens, for his hard work throughout the pandemic in completing his Level 2 certificate and pushing his Level 3 studies towards completion.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic this year, Joe has pushed on to complete his site experience and has demonstrated his skills in bricklaying and setting out and is now on track to becoming fully qualified as a bricklayer.

Pauline Steele, ESP Coordinator for Hobson & Porter, said: “We’re really proud of Joe for this achievement, he has shown real dedication and pride in his studies and worked hard during this difficult and unprecedented year.

“Despite the unexpected challenges of lockdown and remote working, Joe hasn’t let this get in the way of his work and he has pushed on to keep learning his trade, working at several Hobson & Porter sites including the voids at Scunthorpe to gain valuable industry experience. From everyone at Hobson & Porter, congratulations on your award Joe, it is well deserved!”

On receiving his award, Joe said: “I’m really honoured to receive this award from the Principal of Hull College. I wasn’t expecting it, I just wanted to pass my apprenticeship and learn my trade, but I’m really pleased with this. It is great to see my work recognised and now I’m looking forward to finishing my Level 3 NVQ and hopefully continuing my career in the construction industry with a full-time role.”

We have continued our collaboration with Hull College and engaged in various activities to support the college and its construction students and apprentices.

At the end of 2019 students and staff celebrated the grand opening of the new Centre for Construction Trade Apprenticeships at Preston Road, East Hull.

The centre was officially opened by BBC DIY SOS The Big Build project manager Mark Millar on and will act as a skills facility for construction apprentices, covering trades such as Carpentry and Joinery, Bricklaying, Maintenance Operations.

One of our apprentices, Aurimas Grimalis, has been sharing his story at local skills events. He started his apprenticeship at Hobson & Porter after learning about opportunities in construction at our Foundation Live event at Bishop Burton College. Find out more about his story below.

Click on the video below to watch a recap of the best of this year’s Foundations Live event which took place at Bishop Burton College on Wednesday 2nd October.

“We’ll be continuing our hard work into 2020 with a full programme of activities planned to engage and educate people on the vast opportunities and prospects available in our amazing sector. Thanks to everyone that has supported the Foundations Initiative this year and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with you.” -Dave Blades, Director for Hobson & Porter

“This year was all about momentum after last year highlighting the importance in working together to increase the workforce in the construction industry.

“A lot of hard work has gone on and events like Foundations showcases the power of collaboration and the hard work the industry is doing together to showcase the wealth of opportunity in the construction industry.” – Dave Blades, Director, Hobson & Porter